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Fort Nelson

Fareham, Hampshire, England

Attraction Information

Museums and Art Galleries

Suitable for ages: Older Children (9-12) and Teenagers (13-18)

Venue type:
Indoor, Outdoor

Although a cliche, the phrase "must see" truly applies to Fort Nelsons astonishing collection of different artillery and guns from different time periods. Over 700 items of artillery from many countries and spanning 600 years are brought to life whilst sensitively telling the unique stories behind them.

The museum has many galleries within the 19th century fort showing a number of significant pieces of artillery and artillery related artefacts ranging from Victorian to the History of Artillery.

Displayed in the Voice of the Guns, one of the most celebrated pieces of artillery is a 15th century Turkish Bombard which was gifted to Britain by the Turkish Government.

Weighing the same as 17 double-decker buses, another object of great interest is the huge 18 inch, 200 tonne Railway Howitzer. Designed and built by the Elswick Ordnance company of Newcastle, in 1918, as part of a trend to build bigger calibre guns with more destructive shells, it is the world;¢s largest surviving military gun.

Daily gun firings at 1pm and on selected Sunday's throughout the year there are special firings, featuring authentic gun drills by uniformed detachments.